Culture
Did you know that San Ġwann’s parish church was once part of Birkirkara’s?
We had no idea!

Jillian Mallia

Did you know San Ġwann’s parish church was actually once part of Birkirkara? We had no clue! Today, on the same day as Independence Day, San Gwann celebrates what has been dubbed its birthday.

Today, San Ġwann celebrates 58 years since it became a separate Parish from that of Birkirkara. While some would call it San Ġwann's birthday - the locality has existed for much longer than these 58 years.

The Parish is named after Our Lady of Lourdes, and celebrates their feast on the first Sunday of August.

Locals have shared that San Ġwann was also split between Birkirkara (from HSBC to Ġnien iż-Żebbuġ) and St Julian’s (from Mensija). San Ġwann was previously known as L-Imsieraħ after various people went to live in the area (a third-class area, a local notes) but was changed to its current name in 1968.

Did you know about this interesting fact? 

21st September 2023


Jillian Mallia
Written by
Jillian Mallia
A book lover, writer and globetrotter who loves exploring new places and the local gems that the Maltese Islands have to offer. An avid foodie and arts fanatic, Jillian searches the island and beyond for the perfect settings to write about.

You may also like...
Culture

Emma Galea
New & now
New & now
They were particularly loved by the community for their impeccable bread.

Emma Galea
New & now
New & now
They’re common in Maltese waters during this time of year.

Emma Galea
New & now
New & now
New & now
From pastizzi trays to figolli cutters and carnival crowns, Sebastian shares his passion for the manual trade and how it has characterised most of his life.

Edward Bonello